JACKSON, Tenn. – Union was unable to complete the comeback following a large first-half deficit, losing to Purdue University Northwest by a score of 63-60. Union's record falls to 2-1 overall while Purdue Northwest improves to 4-1 overall on the season.
 
First Half: Purdue Northwest 39,  Union 28
 
Union's starting five consisted of Justin Debuck, Jeremiah Littlepage, Ahmad Johnson, Ivan Prug, and Isaiah Victor.
 
CJ Jackson started out the gate hot for Purdue Northwest, scoring 14 of the team's first 30 points. Union struggled to get going from beyond the arc, missing all eight attempts from three-point range. However, the Bulldogs did find success in the paint, scoring 22 of their 28 total first-half points close to the basket. Debuck led all Bulldog scorers with 10 total points in the first half.
 
At the break, Purdue Northwest led Union in shooting percentage (46.9%), 3-PT percentage (50%), and points off turnovers (10). Purdue Northwest's largest lead stretched to 14 points and led for nearly 19 of the first 20 minutes of action
 
First Half Stats:
 
Justin Debuck: 10 points, 2 assists, 2 rebounds
Ahmad Johnson: 8 points, 2 assists, 4 rebounds, 1 steal
Jeremiah Littlepage: 6 points, 6 rebounds, 1 steal
 
Second Half: Purdue Northwest 63, Union 60 (Final)
 
Union was finally able to connect from beyond the arc with a Justin Debuck three-pointer three minutes into the second half. Union's Dusan Djordjevic and Devaki Garr cut the lead down to 6 points with 14:43 left in the second half following back-to-back three-pointers. The Bulldogs rallied to go on a 5-point run cutting the Purdue Northwest lead to one with 12 minutes left to play.
 
After going blow-for-blow with the Pride, the Bulldogs found themselves down 58-55 with 4 minutes left in the game. Isaiah Victor hit a timely three-pointer following a hook shot from the Pride's Brendan Temple to keep the Bulldogs in striking distance going into the final minute of play. Jeremiah Littlepage then put the Bulldogs back to within a point with 17 seconds left on the clock. Purdue Northwest was able to hold on to their victory in the final seconds to take down the Bulldogs 63-60.
 
Notable Stat Lines:
 
Justin Debuck: 18 points, 3 assists, 5 rebounds, 4 steals
Ahmad Johnson: 15 points, 3 assists, 5 rebounds, 1 steal
Jeremiah Littlepage: 8 points, 1 assist. 10 rebounds, 1 steal
 
Union will face Mississippi College to begin Gulf South Conference play on November 25th in Clinton, Mississippi at 4 p.m.
 
-UNION-